Norwell Fishing Derby is set for Saturday

Thursday

May 10, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 10, 2007 at 10:11 AM

Spring weather sure has been finicky. Easter, temperature wise, was colder than Christmas. If you are getting antsy and impatient for the warmer weather, there is an activity to do that can help pass the time and have you ready for the annual Norwell recreation Fishing Derby. Seek out your fishing equipment. Check the condition of your rod and reel. Change your fishing line if it looks frayed and make sure you have all the right lures in order. The Fishing Derby will be held from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday May 12, at Jacob's Pond in Norwell.

This is the17th year of the derby, which was founded by Bruce Donahue of Village Green Real Estate and the Norwell Recreation Commission for the purpose of providing a family event where parents and children could come together and share some quality time enjoying a fun activity. Last year the event was a success and included more than 250 participants.

This is the17th year of the derby, which was founded by Bruce Donahue of Village Green Real Estate and the Norwell Recreation Commission for the purpose of providing a family event where parents and children could come together and share some quality time enjoying a fun activity. Last year the event was a success and included more than 250 participants.

People who are fishing need only supply a pole and line. For the fifth year in a row, Peter Belsan of Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate has been kind enough to donate hooks, bobbers, and worms. They, along with other supporters such as Fernwood Gallery, Joseph’s Pontiac, Webb’s Pro Fitness, Drum’s Emporium, The Company Theatre, Cathay Hanover, Starland, On Rye Deli, South Shore YMCA at Mill Pond, Norwell Pizzeria & Seafood, JC’S Dairy and the Eleanor Bailey Family, help the Norwell Recreation Commission run the event year after year.

There are a couple of simple rules in the derby. The derby practices a catch and release system, which means once the fish is caught, it must be alive to be measured and released back into the pond alive. The longest fish wins. Should there be a tie in length, the first one caught and measured wins. People who are 15 years of age and older must have a Massachusetts fishing license in order to participate. The license can be obtained at Belsan’s before or on derby day. The Conservation Commission and the Recreation Commission request no motorboats as the propellers could contaminate the pond.

For the seventh year in a row, a trophy memorializing Elmer Demery, the father of Norwell resident, Eleanor Bailey, will be given to a child in eighth grade and under, who catches the longest largemouth bass. Mr. Demery was a game warden, noted author and prize winning sports fisherman.

Entrants will be asked to do an environmental clean-up during the derby. Recreation Commission members will hand out plastic bags with the hope that fishermen will clean the area around where they are fishing and leave the area better than when they found it.

Trophies and prizes will be given away in six age categories. A kayak will be raffled off, along with other prizes. Last year’s grand-prize winner was Anthony Mastroilli, an eighth grader, who caught a 19-3/4 inch Pickerel. Did your catch get away? Come out and test your skill.

In addition, participants and on-lookers are asked to bring a food pantry donation.